The most loyal winners of Mountaineering Week 2021 are Robert “Bob” and Nancy Douglas, West Virginia’s most loyal; Michael Manley, the most loyal alumnus; Samuel Ameri, the most loyal faculty / professional staff mountaineer; and Meghan Reeves, the most loyal mountaineer on staff.
(Photo WVU)

A dedicated lawyer, career educator, computer software entrepreneur, engineering professor and research administrator are among this year’s ‘most loyal’ to be honored at 74th Mountaineer Week on the campus of the University of West Virginia.

The 2021 winners are West Virginia’s most loyal Robert “Bob” and Nancy Douglas; Michael Manley, the most loyal alumnus; Samuel Ameri, the most loyal faculty / professional staff mountaineer; and Meghan Reeves, the most loyal mountaineer on staff. The squad will be recognized during halftime ceremonies for WVU’s home soccer game on Saturday, November 6 against Oklahoma State at Milan Puskar Stadium.

The award recipients are selected by a joint committee representing the WVU Foundation, the WVU Alumni Association, the WVU Staff Council, the WVU Faculty Senate and the WVU Week organizing committee. mountaineering. Each exemplifies loyalty to the ideals and goals of WVU and West Virginia through business, professional and civic achievement, leadership, and service.

Most loyal West Virginia

Robert “Bob” and Nancy Douglas of Charleston have demonstrated their dedication to West Virginia over almost a lifetime of service. Bob and Nancy respectively graduated in 1956 from the College of Law and the School of Music. Bob has practiced law for over 60 years, while Nancy’s career in education spans 50 years.

Beyond their professional efforts, the couple have been generous with their time and resources. A former WVU Marching Band Drum Major, Bob served in the United States Army and was actively involved with the Boy Scouts of America and his church, First Presbyterian of Charleston. The Douglases contribute significantly to scholarships and facilities at WVU and to various community causes they deem important, including Charleston’s Clay Center and the Kanawha County Public Library.

Most loyal mountaineer

Michael Manley, of Morgantown, credits WVU with the exceptional education and professional experience that has made him a successful entrepreneur in the computer software industry for over 40 years. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in computer science from WVU while simultaneously working for the University in various capacities. He became deputy director of IT services before leaving to grow his business, Software Systems, Inc., which provides specialized software solutions and support to county governments across West Virginia.

In recognition of his public service and professional accomplishments, Manley was inducted into the Distinguished Alumni Academy of the Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering in 2010. He went on to create two endowed scholarships to help eliminate financial problems for students in the Lane Department programs.

Most loyal mountaineer of faculty / professional staff

Samuel Ameri served his alma mater for over 30 years as a professor at the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources. His loyalty and leadership extend beyond his role as chairman of the Department of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering. He has chaired the WVU Athletic Council, the WVU Faculty Welfare Committee, the WVU Student Instruction Committee and more. It also provides essential leadership, education and insight to support West Virginia’s energy industry.

Ameri’s commitment is reflected in her lasting relationships with colleagues, students, alumni and industry. He was chosen as his Department’s Outstanding Professor, Outstanding College Alumnus, and West Virginia Oil and Gas Man of the Year, among other honors.

The most loyal mountaineer on staff

A strong family heritage at WVU has motivated Meghan Reeves to earn two degrees at WVU, and she continues to serve the University with integrity and loyalty as a valued member of the staff. She is the Director of Finance and Research Administration for the West Virginia Clinical & Translational Science Institute at the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center.

Reeves works with stakeholders at WVU and across the state to provide services that expand research infrastructure and cultivate the next generation of biomedical researchers. In this and other roles, she has demonstrated her commitment to improving the lives of all West Virginia people through better health.

-WVU-

cr / 11/03/21

CONTACT: Cassie Rice
Communication specialist
WVU Foundation
304-554-0217; [email protected]

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